2017–18 EFL Cup

The 2017–18 EFL Cup was the 58th season of the EFL Cup. The competition was open to all 92 clubs participating in the Premier League and the English Football League. It was known as the Carabao Cup due to the start of a sponsorship deal with Carabao Energy Drinks after the tournament was unsponsored the previous year.[1] The final took place at Wembley Stadium in London.

2017–18 EFL Cup
Carabao Cup, League Cup
Country England
 Wales
Dates8 August 2017 – 25 February 2018
Teams92
Defending championsManchester United
ChampionsManchester City (5th title)
Runners-upArsenal
Matches played87
Goals scored258 (2.97 per match)
Attendance1,454,812 (16,722 per match)
Top goal scorer(s)Josh Murphy
Samuel Sáiz
Islam Slimani
(4 goals each)

Manchester City won their fifth title after a 3–0 win over Arsenal in the final.[2]

Manchester United were the defending champions, but they were eliminated by Bristol City in the fifth round.[3]

Access

All 92 clubs in the top four divisions of English football participate. In the first round, all the clubs in EFL League Two and EFL League One will enter alongside 22 of the 24 EFL Championship teams except for Hull City and Middlesbrough who received byes to the next round as the highest finishing teams relegated from the 2016–17 Premier League.[4] In the second round, all Premier League clubs not involved in European competition enter. Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all received byes to the third round owing to their participation in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.[5]

In June 2017, the English Football League announced that the draw for the first round of the competition would be held in Bangkok, Thailand, as a result of their new sponsorship deal with Thai company Carabao.[4] There were plans for the 2017–18 EFL Cup to trial video assistant referees during matches in their first use in England. However the plans were scrapped due to a delay and would instead be trialled in the 2017–18 FA Cup from the third round instead.[6]

Distribution
  • Clubs involved in European competition entered at the third round.
  • The remaining Premier League clubs and two Championship clubs who finished 18th and 19th in Premier League the previous season entered at the second round.
  • The remaining English Football League clubs entered at the first round.[7]
Clubs entering in this round Clubs advancing from previous round
First round
(70 clubs)
  • 24 clubs from EFL League Two
  • 24 clubs from EFL League One
  • 22 clubs from EFL Championship
  • N/A
Second round
(50 clubs)
  • 2 clubs from EFL Championship
  • 13 Premier League clubs (not involved in European competition)
  • 35 winners from first round
Third round
(32 clubs)
  • 7 Premier League clubs (involved in European competition)
  • 25 winners from second round
Fourth round
(16 clubs)
  • No other entries
  • 16 winners from third round
Fifth round
(8 clubs)
  • No other entries
  • 8 winners from fourth round
Semi-finals
(4 clubs)
  • No other entries
  • 4 winners from fifth round
Final
(2 clubs)
  • No other entries
  • 2 winners from semi-finals

First round

Entry

A total of 70 clubs played in the first round: 24 from League Two (tier 4), 24 from League One (tier 3), and 22 from the Championship (tier 2). The draw for this round was split on a geographical basis into 'northern' and 'southern' sections. Teams were drawn against a team from the same section.[7]

Matches

The first round draw was made as follows:[8]

8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Accrington Stanley (4)3–2Preston North End (2)Accrington
19:45 BST Richards-Everton  20'
Clark  86'
Kee  90+3'		 Report Hugill  70', 90+1' Stadium: Crown Ground
Attendance: 2,879
Referee: Eddie Ilderton
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) AFC Wimbledon (3)1–3 (a.e.t.)Brentford (2)Kingston upon Thames, London
19:45 BST Robinson  25' Report Sawyers  69'
Watkins  105+1'
Shaibu  119'		 Stadium: Kingsmeadow
Attendance: 3,229
Referee: Dean Whitestone
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Barnsley (2)4–3Morecambe (4)Barnsley
19:45 BST Bradshaw  2', 46'
Ugbo  22'
Hedges  90+5'		 Report Lavelle  45+1'
Rose  49' (pen.)
Oliver  82'		 Stadium: Oakwell
Attendance: 4,062
Referee: Darren Bond
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Birmingham City (2)5–1Crawley Town (4)Bordesley, Birmingham
19:45 BST Adams  27', 42', 66'
Davis  38'
Tesche  49'		 Report Camara  86' Stadium: St Andrew's
Attendance: 7,814
Referee: Michael Salisbury
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Bradford City (3)2–3Doncaster Rovers (3)Bradford
19:45 BST Poleon  35'
Jones  84'		 Report May  8'
Kongolo  71'
Whiteman  88'		 Stadium: Valley Parade
Attendance: 3,175
Referee: Darren Drysdale
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Bristol City (2)5–0Plymouth Argyle (3)Ashton Gate, Bristol
19:45 BST Hegeler  2'
Baker  14'
Smith  19'
Hinds  39'
Paterson  79'		 Report Stadium: Ashton Gate Stadium
Attendance: 9,838
Referee: Oliver Langford
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Bristol Rovers (3)4–1Cambridge United (4)Horfield, Bristol
19:45 BST Bodin  13', 42'
Harrison  61'
Sercombe  70'		 Report Ikpeazu  66' Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 4,114
Referee: Kevin Johnson
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Cardiff City (2)2–1 (a.e.t.)Portsmouth (3)Cardiff
19:45 BST Mendez-Laing  48'
Halford  113'		 Report Morrison  32' (o.g.) Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Attendance: 6,592
Referee: Steve Martin
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Coventry City (4)1–3Blackburn Rovers (3)Rowleys Green, Coventry
19:45 BST Nazon  22' Report Evans  16'
Smallwood  33'
Samuel  56'		 Stadium: Ricoh Arena
Attendance: 5,372
Referee: Darren England (England)
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Exeter City (4)1–2Charlton Athletic (3)Exeter
19:45 BST Holmes  54' Report Clarke  72'
Charles-Cook  79'		 Stadium: St James Park
Attendance: 2,699
Referee: Tim Robinson
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Fleetwood Town (3)1–2 (a.e.t.)Carlisle United (4)Fleetwood
19:45 BST Hiwula  69' Report S. Miller  22'
T. Miller  101'		 Stadium: Highbury Stadium
Attendance: 1,711
Referee: Graham Salisbury
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Forest Green Rovers (4)0–1 (a.e.t.)Milton Keynes Dons (3)Nailsworth
19:45 BST Report Ariyibi  110' Stadium: The New Lawn
Attendance: 1,608
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Luton Town (4)0–2Ipswich Town (2)Luton
19:45 BST Report McGoldrick  34', 90+3' Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Attendance: 4,610
Referee: Andy Haines
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Mansfield Town (4)0–1Rochdale (3)Mansfield
19:45 BST Report Camps  17' Stadium: Field Mill
Attendance: 1,457
Referee: Andy Madley
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Millwall (2)2–0Stevenage (4)Bermondsey, London
19:45 BST Elliott  54', 67' Report Stadium: The Den
Attendance: 3,096
Referee: Simon Hooper
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Norwich City (2)3–2Swindon Town (4)Norwich
19:45 BST Jerome  27'
Hoolahan  39'
Maddison  42'		 Report Lancashire  25'
Mullin  62'		 Stadium: Carrow Road
Attendance: 13,166
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Nottingham Forest (2)2–1Shrewsbury Town (3)Nottingham
19:45 BST Carayol  29' (pen.)
Cummings  75'		 Report Whalley  79' (pen.) Stadium: City Ground
Attendance: 7,546
Referee: John Busby
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Oxford United (3)3–4 (a.e.t.)Cheltenham Town (4)Oxford
19:45 BST Johnson  21' (pen)
Obika  31'
Xemi  42'		 Report Eisa  9', 99'
Wright  66', 90'		 Stadium: Kassam Stadium
Attendance: 3,179
Referee: Graham Horwood
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Peterborough United (3)1–3Barnet (4)Peterborough
19:45 BST Edwards  30' Report Akpa Akpro  22'
Vilhete  39'
Coulthirst  58'		 Stadium: London Road Stadium
Attendance: 2,725
Referee: Tony Harrington
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Queens Park Rangers (2)1–0Northampton Town (3)Shepherd's Bush, London
19:45 BST N'Gbakoto  36' Report Stadium: Loftus Road
Attendance: 4,317
Referee: Charles Breakspear
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Rotherham United (3)2–1Lincoln City (4)Rotherham
19:45 BST Proctor  39'
Forde  78'		 Report Knott  64' Stadium: New York Stadium
Attendance: 5,489
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Scunthorpe United (3)3–3 (a.e.t.)
(6–5 p)		Notts County (4)Scunthorpe
19:45 BST Madden  69' (pen.), 105+1'
Holmes  86'		 Report Grant  22'
Brisley  90+2'
Yates  117'		 Stadium: Glanford Park
Attendance: 1,874
Referee: David Webb
Penalties
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Sheffield Wednesday (2)4–1Chesterfield (4)Owlerton, Sheffield
19:45 BST Fletcher  45+2'
Hooper  43'
Bannan  75'
Hutchinson  83'		 Report Dennis  38' (pen.) Stadium: Hillsborough Stadium
Attendance: 11,682
Referee: Ross Joyce
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Southend United (3)0–2Newport County (4)Southend-on-Sea[note 1]
19:45 BST Report McCoulsky  52', 58' Stadium: Roots Hall
Attendance: 2,998
Referee: Antony Coggins
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Wigan Athletic (3)2–1Blackpool (3)Wigan
19:45 BST Laurent  17'
Flores  45+1'		 Report Gnanduillet  59' Stadium: DW Stadium
Attendance: 3,391
Referee: Chris Sarginson
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Wolverhampton Wanderers (2)1–0Yeovil Town (4)Wolverhampton
19:45 BST Dicko  76' Report Stadium: Molineux Stadium
Attendance: 9,478
Referee: Robert Lewis
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Wycombe Wanderers (4)0–2Fulham (2)High Wycombe
19:45 BST Report Piazon  67'
Odoi  81'		 Stadium: Adams Park
Attendance: 3,639
Referee: Gavin Ward
8 August 2017 (2017-08-08) Reading (2)2–0Gillingham (3)Reading
20:00 BST Kelly  71', 86' Report Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 5,936
Referee: Brett Huxtable
9 August 2017 (2017-08-09) Colchester United (4)1–2Aston Villa (2)Colchester
19:45 BST Kent  39' Report Hogan  7'
Kent  19' (o.g.)		 Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 6,603
Referee: John Brooks
9 August 2017 (2017-08-09) Crewe Alexandra (4)1–2Bolton Wanderers (2)Crewe
19:45 BST Porter  42' Report Armstrong  70'
Derik  81'		 Stadium: Gresty Road
Attendance: 3,167
Referee: Mark Heywood
9 August 2017 (2017-08-09) Leeds United (2)4–1Port Vale (4)Leeds
19:45 BST Sáiz  13', 60', 62'
Ekuban  83'		 Report Tonge  36' Stadium: Elland Road
Attendance: 15,431
Referee: Peter Bankes
9 August 2017 (2017-08-09) Oldham Athletic (3)2–3Burton Albion (2)Oldham
19:45 BST Green  55'
Davies  67' (pen.)		 Report Varney  47'
Lund  69'
Akins  86' (pen.)		 Stadium: Boundary Park
Attendance: 2,176
Referee: Scott Duncan
9 August 2017 (2017-08-09) Sheffield United (2)3–2Walsall (3)Sheffield
19:45 BST Roberts  74' (o.g.)
Thomas  79'
Lafferty  82'		 Report Bakayoko  13'
Oztumer  90+1' (pen.)		 Stadium: Bramall Lane
Attendance: 5,210
Referee: Kevin Friend
10 August 2017 (2017-08-10) Bury (3)0–1Sunderland (2)Bury, Greater Manchester
19:45 BST Report Honeyman  69' Stadium: Gigg Lane
Attendance: 3,470
Referee: Robert Jones
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22)[note 2] Grimsby Town (4)0–1Derby County (2)Cleethorpes
19:45 BST Report Vydra  53' (pen.) Stadium: Blundell Park
Attendance: 3,033
Referee: Trevor Kettle

Note: The numbers in parentheses are the tier for the team during the 2017–18 season.

Second round

Entry

A total of 50 clubs played in the second round: 15 that entered in this round and the 35 winners from the first round. The 15 clubs entering this round were the 13 clubs from the 2017–18 Premier League not involved in any European competition, plus two clubs from the EFL Championship. The two clubs from the Championship are the two clubs that finished 18th and 19th in the 2016–17 Premier League. The draw for the second round was held on 10 August 2017 and was split on a geographical basis into 'northern' and 'southern' sections. Teams were drawn against a team from the same section.[7][12]

Matches

The second round draw was made as follows:[13]

22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Accrington Stanley (4)1–3West Bromwich Albion (1)Accrington
19:45 BST Dallison  86' Report Rondón  11'
Phillips  31'
Rodriguez  64'		 Stadium: Crown Ground
Attendance: 2,699
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Aston Villa (2)4–1Wigan Athletic (3)Birmingham
19:45 BST Hogan  19', 44'
Adomah  36'
Bjarnason  74'		 Report Colclough  43' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 18,108
Referee: Darren Drysdale
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Birmingham (2)1–2Bournemouth (1)Birmingham
19:45 BST Kieftenbeld  11' Report Fraser  46'
Pugh  68'		 Stadium: St. Andrew's
Attendance: 8,245
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Brighton & Hove Albion (1)1–0Barnet (4)Brighton
19:45 BST Tilley  53' Report Stadium: Falmer Stadium
Attendance: 11,414
Referee: Steve Martin
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Bolton Wanderers (2)3–2Sheffield Wednesday (2)Bolton
20:00 BST Dervite  42'
Armstrong  57' (pen.)
Karacan  64'		 Report Rhodes  76', 83' Stadium: Macron Stadium
Attendance: 6,385
Referee: David Webb
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Cardiff City (2)1–2Burton Albion (2)Cardiff, Wales
19:45 BST Pilkington  76' Report Naylor  26'
Fox  70'		 Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Attendance: 5,820
Referee: John Busby
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Carlisle United (4)1–2Sunderland (2)Carlisle
19:45 BST Grainger  60' Report Love  25'
Gooch  80'		 Stadium: Brunton Park
Attendance: 8,187
Referee: Darren Bond
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Crystal Palace (1)2–1Ipswich Town (2)Selhurst, London
19:30 BST McArthur  76', 84' Report Celina  90+1' Stadium: Selhurst Park
Attendance: 9,837
Referee: Andy Davies
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Doncaster Rovers (3)2–0Hull City (2)Doncaster
19:45 BST May  48'
Rowe  54'		 Report Stadium: Keepmoat Stadium
Attendance: 7,139
Referee: Graham Salisbury
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Fulham (2)0–1Bristol Rovers (3)Fulham, London
19:45 BST Report Harrison  13' Stadium: Craven Cottage
Attendance: 6,243
Referee: Dean Whitestone
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Leeds United (2)5–1Newport County (4)Leeds[note 1]
19:45 BST Roofe  44', 49', 65'
Sáiz  78'
Vieira  89'		 Report Labadie  33' Stadium: Elland Road
Attendance: 17,098
Referee: Ross Joyce
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Middlesbrough (2)3–0Scunthorpe United (3)Middlesbrough
19:45 BST Fábio  17'
Baker  30'
Fletcher  55'		 Report Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Attendance: 12,679
Referee: Andrew Madley
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Milton Keynes Dons (3)1–4Swansea City (1)Milton Keynes
19:45 BST Seager  17' Report Fer  19', 60'
Abraham  71'
Ayew  86'		 Stadium: Stadium mk
Attendance: 5,162
Referee: Rob Jones
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Norwich City (2)4–1Charlton Athletic (3)Norwich
19:45 BST Murphy  21', 52'
Watkins  74'
Trybull  89'		 Report Novak  5' Stadium: Carrow Road
Attendance: 12,521
Referee: Andy Haines
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Queens Park Rangers (2)1–4Brentford (2)Shepherd's Bush, London
19:45 BST Furlong  43' Report Borysiuk  10' (o.g.)
Egan  19'
Maupay  32'
Clarke  83'		 Stadium: Loftus Road
Attendance: 9,719
Referee: Chris Sarginson
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Reading (2)3–1 (a.e.t.)Millwall (2)Reading
20:00 BST Bacuna  34'
Evans  105'
Smith  117'		 Report Ferguson  37' Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 7,148
Referee: Charles Breakspear
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Sheffield United (2)1–4Leicester City (1)Sheffield
19:45 BST Lavery  83' Report Gray  52'
Slimani  63', 67'
Musa  90+3'		 Stadium: Bramall Lane
Attendance: 11,280
Referee: Tony Harrington
22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) Watford (1)2–3Bristol City (2)Watford
19:45 BST Capoue  47'
Mariappa  90+5'		 Report Hinds  59'
Reid  67'
Eliasson  90+3'		 Stadium: Vicarage Road
Attendance: 9,003
Referee: Tim Robinson
23 August 2017 (2017-08-23) Blackburn Rovers (3)0–2Burnley (1)Blackburn
19:45 BST Report Cork  27'
Brady  45+4'		 Stadium: Ewood Park
Attendance: 16,313
Referee: Simon Hooper
23 August 2017 (2017-08-23) Cheltenham Town (4)0–2West Ham United (1)Cheltenham[note 3]
19:45 BST Report Sakho  40'
Ayew  43'		 Stadium: Whaddon Road
Attendance: 6,259
Referee: Oliver Langford
23 August 2017 (2017-08-23) Huddersfield Town (1)2–1Rotherham United (3)Huddersfield
19:45 BST Billing  52' (pen.)
Lolley  54'		 Report Ajayi  1' Stadium: Kirklees Stadium
Attendance: 8,290
Referee: Peter Bankes
23 August 2017 (2017-08-23) Newcastle United (1)2–3 (a.e.t.)Nottingham Forest (2)Newcastle upon Tyne
19:45 BST Mitrović  3'
Aarons  45+1'		 Report Cummings  29', 31'
Walker  97'		 Stadium: St. James' Park
Attendance: 27,709
Referee: Darren England
23 August 2017 (2017-08-23) Southampton (1)0–2Wolverhampton Wanderers (2)Southampton
19:45 BST Report Batth  67'
Wilson  87'		 Stadium: St. Mary's Stadium
Attendance: 17,931
Referee: James Linington
23 August 2017 (2017-08-23) Stoke City (1)4–0Rochdale (3)Stoke-on-Trent
19:45 BST Allen  16', 42'
Crouch  29'
Sobhi  80'		 Report Stadium: bet365 Stadium
Attendance: 9,930
Referee: Scott Duncan
12 September 2017 Barnsley (2)3–2Derby County (2)Barnsley
19:45 BST Jackson  18'
Bradshaw  73'
Hammill  88'		 Report Russell  6'
Bennett  39'		 Stadium: Oakwell
Attendance: 7,163
Referee: Eddie Ilderton

Note: The numbers in parentheses are the tier for the team during the 2017–18 season.

Third round

Entry

A total of 32 clubs played in the third round: seven that entered in this round and the 25 winners from the second round. The clubs entering in this round were the seven from the 2017–18 Premier League involved in European competition. The draw for the third round was held on 24 August 2017.[14]

Matches

The third round draw was made as follows:[15]

19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Aston Villa (2)0–2Middlesbrough (2)Birmingham
19:45 BST Report Bamford  58' (pen.), 67' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 11,197
Referee: Steve Martin
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Bournemouth (1)1–0 (a.e.t.)Brighton & Hove Albion (1)Bournemouth
19:45 BST King  99' Report Stadium: Dean Court
Attendance: 10,372
Referee: Kevin Friend
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Brentford (2)1–3Norwich City (2)Brentford, London
19:45 BST Clarke  90+1' Report Vrančić  10' (pen.), 51'
Murphy  68'		 Stadium: Griffin Park
Attendance: 4,863
Referee: James Linington
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Bristol City (2)2–0Stoke City (1)Bristol
19:45 BST Diédhiou  50'
Taylor  60'		 Report Stadium: Ashton Gate
Attendance: 13,826
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Burnley (1)2–2 (a.e.t.)
(3–5 p)		Leeds United (2)Burnley
19:45 BST Wood  89' (pen.)
Brady  90+6'		 Report Sacko  80'
Hernández  90+4' (pen.)		 Stadium: Turf Moor
Attendance: 11,799
Referee: Darren Bond
Penalties
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Crystal Palace (1)1–0Huddersfield Town (1)Selhurst, London
19:45 BST Sako  13' Report Stadium: Selhurst Park
Attendance: 6,607
Referee: Lee Probert
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Leicester City (1)2–0Liverpool (1)Leicester
19:45 BST Okazaki  65'
Slimani  78'		 Report Stadium: King Power Stadium
Attendance: 31,609
Referee: Stuart Attwell
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Reading (2)0–2Swansea City (1)Reading
20:00 BST Report Mawson  52'
J. Ayew  83'		 Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 8,729
Referee: Andy Davies
19 September 2017 Tottenham Hotspur (1)1–0Barnsley (2)Wembley, London
20:00 BST Alli  65' Report Stadium: Wembley Stadium
Attendance: 23,826
Referee: Tim Robinson
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) West Ham United (1)3–0Bolton Wanderers (2)Stratford, London
19:45 BST Ogbonna  4'
Sakho  31'
Masuaku  90+4'		 Report Stadium: London Stadium
Attendance: 35,806
Referee: Simon Hooper
19 September 2017 (2017-09-19) Wolverhampton Wanderers (2)1–0 (a.e.t.)Bristol Rovers (3)Wolverhampton
19:45 BST Enobakhare  98' Report Stadium: Molineux Stadium
Attendance: 12,740
Referee: Tony Harrington
20 September 2017 (2017-09-20) Arsenal (1)1–0Doncaster Rovers (3)Holloway, London
19:45 BST Walcott  25' Report Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 44,064
Referee: Scott Duncan
20 September 2017 (2017-09-20) Chelsea (1)5–1Nottingham Forest (2)Fulham, London
19:45 BST Kenedy  13'
Batshuayi  19', 53', 86'
Musonda  40'		 Report Darikwa  90+1' Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 40,621
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
20 September 2017 (2017-09-20) Everton (1)3–0Sunderland (2)Liverpool
19:45 BST Calvert-Lewin  38', 51'
Niasse  83'		 Report Stadium: Goodison Park
Attendance: 23,000
Referee: Oliver Langford
20 September 2017 (2017-09-20) Manchester United (1)4–1Burton Albion (2)Old Trafford, Manchester
20:00 BST Rashford  5', 17'
Lingard  36'
Martial  60'		 Report Dyer  90+1' Stadium: Old Trafford
Attendance: 54,256
Referee: Graham Scott
20 September 2017 (2017-09-20) West Bromwich Albion (1)1–2Manchester City (1)West Bromwich
20:00 BST Yacob  72' Report Sané  3', 77' Stadium: The Hawthorns
Attendance: 14,953
Referee: Mike Jones

Note: The numbers in parentheses are the tier for the team during the 2017–18 season.

Fourth round

Entry

A total of 16 clubs played in the fourth round, all winners from the third round. The draw for the fourth round was held on 20 September 2017.[16]

Matches

The fourth round draw was made as follows:[17]

24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) Arsenal (1)2–1 (a.e.t.)Norwich City (2) Holloway, London
19:45 BST Nketiah  85', 96' Report Murphy  34' Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 58,444
Referee: Andrew Madley
24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) Bournemouth (1)3–1Middlesbrough (2)Bournemouth
19:45 BST Simpson  49'
Wilson  75' (pen.)
Afobe  83'		 Report Tavernier  56' Stadium: Dean Court
Attendance: 10,254
Referee: Simon Hooper
24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) Bristol City (2)4–1Crystal Palace (1)Bristol
19:45 BST Taylor  34'
Đurić  39'
Bryan  60'
O'Dowda  66'		 Report Sako  21' Stadium: Ashton Gate Stadium
Attendance: 21,901
Referee: Tim Robinson
24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) Leicester City (1)3–1Leeds United (2)Leicester
19:45 BST Iheanacho  30'
Slimani  71'
Mahrez  88'		 Report Hernández  26' Stadium: King Power Stadium
Attendance: 31,516
Referee: Lee Probert
24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) Manchester City (1)0–0 (a.e.t.)
(4–1 p)		Wolverhampton Wanderers (2)Manchester
20:00 BST Report Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 50,755
Referee: Kevin Friend
Penalties
De Bruyne
Touré
Sané
Agüero 		Bonatini
N'Diaye
Coady
24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) Swansea City (1)0–2Manchester United (1)Swansea
19:45 BST Report Lingard  21', 59' Stadium: Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 20,083
Referee: Bobby Madley
25 October 2017 (2017-10-25) Chelsea (1)2–1Everton (1)Fulham, London
19:45 BST Rüdiger  26'
Willian  90+2'		 Report Calvert-Lewin  90+4' Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 40,655
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
25 October 2017 (2017-10-25) Tottenham Hotspur (1)2–3West Ham United (1)Wembley, London
20:00 BST Sissoko  6'
Alli  37'		 Report Ayew  55', 60'
Ogbonna  70'		 Stadium: Wembley Stadium
Attendance: 36,168
Referee: Mike Dean

Fifth round

Entry

A total of eight clubs played in the fifth round, all winners from the fourth round. The fifth round draw was held on 26 October 2017.[18]

Matches
19 December 2017 Arsenal (1)1–0West Ham United (1)Holloway, London
19:45 GMT Welbeck  42' Report Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 44,741
Referee: Kevin Friend
20 December 2017 Bristol City (2)2–1Manchester United (1)Bristol
20:00 GMT Bryan  51'
Smith  90+3'		 Report Ibrahimović  58' Stadium: Ashton Gate
Attendance: 26,088
Referee: Mike Dean
20 December 2017 Chelsea (1)2–1Bournemouth (1)Fulham, London
19:45 GMT Willian  13'
Morata  90+1'		 Report Gosling  90' Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 41,168
Referee: Lee Mason

Semi-finals

Entry

A total of four clubs played in the semi-finals, all winners of the fifth round. There was no seeding in this round and the draw was held on 20 December. [19]

Matches

The semi-finals were played over two legs, with each team playing one leg at home. The team that scored the most goals on aggregate over the two legs advanced to the final. If the aggregate score was level after 90 minutes in the second leg of a semi-final two 15-minute periods of extra time were played each way. If the aggregate score in a semi-final was still level at the end of extra time the tie was decided by the away goals rule, i.e. the team that scored most goals away from home over the two legs advanced. If a semi-final tie was still level, the result was determined by a penalty shoot-out.

The lowest ranked side to reach this stage of the competition was Championship club Bristol City.

First leg
9 January 2018 Manchester City (1)2–1Bristol City (2)Manchester
19:45 GMT De Bruyne  55'
Agüero  90+2'		 Report Reid  44' (pen.) Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 43,426
Referee: Anthony Taylor
10 January 2018 Chelsea (1)0–0Arsenal (1)Fulham, London
20:00 GMT Report Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 40,097
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Second leg
23 January 2018 Bristol City (2)2–3
(3–5 agg.)		Manchester City (1)Bristol
19:45 GMT Pack  64'
Flint  90+4'		 Report Sané  43'
Agüero  49'
De Bruyne  90+6'		 Stadium: Ashton Gate
Attendance: 26,003
Referee: Graham Scott
24 January 2018 Arsenal (1)2–1
(2–1 agg.)		Chelsea (1)Holloway, London
20:00 GMT Rüdiger  12' (o.g.)
Xhaka  60'		 Report Hazard  7' Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 58,964
Referee: Michael Oliver

Final
Main article: 2018 EFL Cup Final

The final was played on 25 February 2018 at Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal0–3Manchester City
Report
Attendance: 85,671
Referee: Craig Pawson

Controversies regarding draws

There were a number of errors in the draw for the first round. Many fans experienced problems with the sound on the live stream from Thailand, and had to rely on the graphics. However, these contained a number of errors: Charlton Athletic were shown to be drawn in two ties, while a number of other teams including AFC Wimbledon, Brentford, Swindon Town, Norwich City, Forest Green Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Yeovil Town were all shown to have been given wrong draws.[9] The English Football League later issued a statement apologising for the errors that had been made and stating that the draw had not been compromised with all clubs receiving confirmation of their ties.[8]

Confusion also arose over the televised portion of the second round draw, in which four second round matches were announced with the incorrect location.[20] The cup attracted even further criticism for its draws when it was announced that the third round draw would take place in Beijing at 11:15 China Standard Time (04:15 British Summer Time).[21]

Further errors continued for the draw of the fifth round. This was due to technical problems at Twitter, which led to the draw being delayed for over an hour.[22] The draw finally appeared in a pre-recorded video almost two hours late.

Top goalscorers

[23]

Rank Player Club Goals
1 Islam Slimani Leicester City 4
Samuel Sáiz Leeds United
Josh Murphy Norwich City
4 Leroy Sané Manchester City 3
Michy Batshuayi Chelsea
Andre Ayew West Ham United
Jesse Lingard Manchester United
Che Adams Birmingham City
Tom Bradshaw Barnsley
Jason Cummings Nottingham Forest
Scott Hogan Aston Villa
Kemar Roofe Leeds United

Notes
  1. Although these matches were originally drawn as home ties for Newport County, it was agreed to reverse the fixtures due to ongoing works at Rodney Parade.[9][10]
  2. Fixture rearranged after the original tie on 8 August was abandoned due to torrential rain.[11]
  3. Although this match was originally drawn as a home tie for West Ham United, it was agreed to reverse the fixture due to the 2017 World Championships in Athletics taking place at London Stadium.[10]

References
  1. "EFL Cup to be known as Carabao Cup from 2017–18". BBC Sport. 4 November 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  2. "Arsenal 0 Manchester City 3: Pep Guardiola lifts League Cup as Arsene Wenger's side are swatted aside". The Telegraph. 25 February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  3. "Bristol City 2–1 Manchester United". BBC Sport. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  4. "EFL Cup first-round draw in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday". BBC Sport. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  5. "Premier League and Football League: Ups & downs and European qualification". BBC Sport. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  6. Ziegler, Martyn (7 June 2017). "Video referee trials in England shelved until 2018". The Times. Retrieved 12 June 2017.(subscription required)
  7. "Charlton Athletic seeded in League Cup draw with Aston Villa, Birmingham, Wolves, QPR and Fulham". Archived from the original on 2018-04-01. Retrieved 2018-03-31.
  8. "Carabao Cup: Round One draw confirmed". efl.com. The Football League. 16 June 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  9. "EFL Cup first-round draw: Sunderland away to Bury, Forest Green face MK Dons". BBC Sport. 16 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  10. "EFL Cup second round draw: EFL Cup second round draw: Southampton to host Wolves". BBC Sport. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  11. "Derby Game Rearranged". grimsby-townfc.co.uk. Grimsby Town FC. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  12. "Carabao Cup: Clubs to learn Round Two fate". efl.com. The Football League. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  13. "Round Two: Confirmed Carabao Cup draw". efl.com. The Football League. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  14. "Draw: Carabao Cup Round Three". efl.com. The Football League. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  15. "Draw: Confirmed Carabao Cup Round Three". efl.com. The Football League. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  16. "Draw: Carabao Cup Round Three". The Football League. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  17. "Round Four:Draw". efl.com. The Football League. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  18. "Carabao Cup: Bristol City face Man Utd in quarter-finals". BBC Sport. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  19. "Semi-Final: Draw information". EFL. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  20. "EFL Cup second round draw: Southampton to host Wolves". BBC Sport. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  21. "EFL defends decision to stage Carabao Cup draw at 4.15am BST".
  22. "EFL requests 'full explanation' from Twitter over Carabao Cup draw farce". Guardian. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  23. "English League Cup 2017/2018: Top Scorers". World Football. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
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